Activity Prompt Cards

Essential rules, common misconceptions and

key skill teaching points
 Essential rules:
• 4X100m - 4 sprinters run 100m each
Activity: Relay
• 4X400m – 4 sprinters run 400m each Common misconceptions:
• The runner carrying the baton passes it to the next person
• Receiving runner starting to run too early
• The baton can only be passed in the changeover zone

• Runners must remain in their designated lane • Unsuccessful changeover causing the baton to drop
• A dropped baton leads to disqualification

• A false start leads to disqualification

• Stepping into another lane

Key skill teaching points:

1 Starting Techniques 2 Passing Techniques

This Photo by Steven Pisano is
licensed under CC BY 2.0.

• Upsweep – receiver has hands

• Hands shoulder width apart ready in a ‘V’ shape with palm
• Fingers form a V behind the facing towards the ground
line • Downsweep – receiver has
• Raise hips hands high and palm facing the
• Drive knee forwards sky This Photo by tableatny is
licensed under CC BY 2.0.

3 Acceleration Zone / Changeover Zone 4 Order

"This Photo by Steven Pisano is
licensed under CC BY 2.0.

• The runner receiving the baton starts to run in the

• 1 – second fastest
acceleration zone
• 2 – third fastest
• The baton must be passed within the changeover zone
• 3 – fourth fastest
• The baton is passed to the opposite hand e.g. right to left
• 4 - fastest
and left to right
Useful websites: https://www.englandathletics.org/young-athletes-and- World Records: Men’s 4X100m – 36.84 seconds by Jamaica in 2012
schools/run-jump-throw/ Women’s 4X100m – 40.82 seconds by USA in 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7l73zI7eNA Passing baton for Men’s 4X400m – 2:54.29 by USA in 1993 © 2022
beginners in a Track and Field Relay by SG Sports TV Women’s 4X400m – 3:15.17 by Soviet Union in 1988